In 2023, the Ukraine war has seen a significant increase in internal violence among Russian troops, with over 150 cases of murder and manslaughter reported. According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, Russian military courts have convicted at least 135 soldiers of murder and another 32 of manslaughter, indicating a disturbing trend within the ranks.
This rise in violence is not limited to the battlefield. Reports suggest that Russian soldiers returning from Ukraine have also committed serious crimes, including at least 55 murders within Russia, as highlighted by the news portal DW.com. Experts attribute this surge to the psychological toll of the war, with many soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Alcohol and drugs have been significant factors in these violent incidents. Novaya Gazeta's analysis of court data revealed that alcohol was involved in 83 percent of the murder cases, and many defendants admitted to being under its influence. In some instances, the perpetrators were identified as addicts.
In addition to these internal conflicts, the war continues to claim civilian lives. On July 8, major Russian strikes on several Ukrainian towns resulted in dozens of deaths and over 170 injuries, including an attack on a children's hospital in Kyiv. In retaliation, Ukrainian forces launched strikes on border regions, killing at least four people in the Russian region of Belgorod.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that 38 Ukrainian drones were destroyed overnight in various regions near the border. These attacks and counterattacks highlight the ongoing and escalating violence between the two nations, with significant casualties on both sides.
- The situation in the Belgorod region has been particularly dire, with Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reporting four deaths and 20 injuries over a 24-hour period. Ukrainian forces have continued to launch attacks on settlements in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
- Russian officials have also reported attacks in other western regions, including Kursk, Voronezh, Volgograd, Rostov, and Astrakhan. These regions have seen a surge in drone activity, with air defense systems intercepting multiple drones overnight.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky provided a grim update on the aftermath of the Russian missile strikes, noting that at least 37 people, including three children, were killed. The strikes damaged nearly 100 buildings, including several schools and a maternity ward, further highlighting the devastating impact on civilian infrastructure.
